Therapeutic headgear device

ABSTRACT

Manually handicapped persons are enabled to substitute for lack of manual dexterity by head movement control of implements attached to a headgear device. The headgear device has three arcuate semi-rigid bands and two adjustable straps interconnected to prevent undue horizontal and vertical movement of the device on the head. A support member is mounted on a band above the forehead. A rod is connected to the support member within view of the handicapped person. The implements are attachable to the rod and include a scribing instrument, an instrument for operating the keys of a typewriter, a pointer assembly, and a spotlight.

United States Patent 1 91 Mancino THERAPEUTIC HEADGEAR DEVICE [76] Inventor: Pasquale M. Mancino, 182 Beach Ave., East Haven, Conn. 29912 [22] Filed: Sept. 27, 1972 [21] Appl. No.: 292,744

[ 1 July 16, 1974 Primary Examiner-Lawrence Charles I Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Delio and Montgomery 5 7 ABSTRACT Manually handicapped persons are enabled to substitute for lack of manual dexterity by head movement control of implements attached to a headgear device. The headgear device has three arcuate semi-rigid bands and two adjustable straps interconnected to prevent undue horizontal and vertical movement of the device on the head. A support member is mounted on a band above the forehead. A rod is connected to the support member within view of the handicapped person; The implements are attachable to the rod and include a scribing instrument, an instrument for operating the keys of a typewriter, a pointer assembly, and a spotlight.

6 Claims, 8 Drawing Figures THERAPEUTIC HEADGEAR DEVICE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to therapeutic headgear devices for use by manually handicapped persons, such as persons lacking hands or the full use thereof.

While head-supported instruments have been devised for use by manually handicapped persons for scribing, as in US. Pat. No. 2,785,462, such instruments have only limited usefulness because of a tendency of the headgear to slip in various directions or for other reasons, such as heavy bulky construction, the impeding of visibility by the device or limited suitability for different head sizes and therapeutic requirements. With regard to the latter, it would be useful if the same headgear device could be applied to treatment of other problems of the manually handicapped in addition to writing or drawing. For example, the therapeutic value of such devices would be greatly enhanced if they were adaptable to other types of communication such as pointing, operating a typewriter, moving a spotlight, arranging items on a surface such as magnetic letters on a board, and the like. Evidently, a headgear device adapted to all of the foregoing could be used in the administration of standardized tests of language, intelligence and perceptual skills, since such tests often require only a pointing or matching response. Such versatility would also have important benefits for persons who are severely limited verbally as well as manually. However, even with all of the foregoing attributes, a therapeutic headgear device must fit securely and comfortably so that superficial circulation is not affected and the device does not create pressure sores or abrasions.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY Accordingly, an object of the invention is to provide a new and improved therapeutic headgear device adapted to a multiplicity of therapeutic uses including writing, pointing, pushing and moving objects on a surface.

Still another object is to provide a new and improved therapeutic headgear device which, while sufficiently securable on the head so as to avoid undue horizontal and vertical movement thereon, is'also comfortable and allows maximum utilization of the forces resulting from head movements, without impeding the view of the operator. I

These and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the specification which follows.

In summary outline, manually handicapped persons are enabled to substitute for lack of manual dexterity by head movement control of implements attached to a headgear device. The headgear device has three arcuate semi-rigid bands and two adjustable straps interconnected to prevent undue horizontal and vertical movement of the device on the head. A support member is mounted on a band above the forehead. A rod is connected to the support member within view of the handicapped person. The implements are attachable to the rod and include a scribing instrument, an instrument for opeating the keys of a typewriter, a pointer assembly, and a spotlight.

The invention accordingly comprises a device possessing the features, properties, and the relation of elements which will be exemplified in the device hereinafter described, and the scope of the invention will be indicated in the claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention, reference is had to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a side view of a device of the invention in place on the head of a manually handicapped person;

FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 are partially diagrammatic, front, side and top views, respectively, of a device of the invention, in somewhat less than actual scale;

FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 are side views of attachment implements for use with the device of the invention; and

FIG. 8 is a detail in perspective of a portion'of the implement of FIG. 6.

With respect to FIGS. 14, the therapeutic headgear device of the invention includes an arcuate, semi-rigid first band 11 shaped for placement laterally over the forehead. A second arcuate, semi-rigid band 12 is shaped to bridge the top of the head laterally thereof from the regions generally forward of each ear. Band 11 is connected to band 12 at points 13 and 14 by any suitable means such as metal or plastic grommetsor rivets. A third arcuate, semi-rigid band 15 is shaped for bridging the head from front .to back, that is, from connection to the second band 12 at point 16, to the rear of the head where it is loosely encircled by an adjustable, flexible, first strap 17. The ends of the strap 17 are connected to the ends of band 12 at points 18 by any suitable means such as rivets, nuts and bolts, or the like. An adjustable, flexible, second strap 19 encircles the chin, the ends thereof also being connected to band 12 and strap 17 at points 18. The straps 17 and 19 may be made adjustable by buckles or similar means, including stretchable fabrics (such as Spandex or Velcro material) in combination with metal linkages 21.

A suitable semi-rigid material for the bands 11, 12 and 15 is a plastic but lightweight metal such as aluminum or stainless steel also is suitable. While a certain degree of flexibility in the bands is desirable, so as to permitadjustment of the device to different head sizes, the bands must be sufficiently rigid to resist horizontal and vertical movement of the headgear and also to support implements to be described.

If desired, cushioning means such as elongated resilient pads or discrete resilient pads 22 may be fastened to oneor more of the bands and straps for enhancement of comfort and fit on the head. Preferably, the resilient pads 22 are positioned around the inner perimeter of band 12 including the points 18 of connection of the bands l1, l2 and 17. Additional pads may be connected at other points, such as on the inner surface of the end of band 15 and on the inner surface of band 1 1.

If the handicapped person is also spastic, an auxiliary harness may be connected to the headgear device such as a strap 18a connected to band 15.

A support member, such as an elongated metal plate 23, is mounted at the point of connection 16 of bands 12 and 15, that is, above the center of the forehead of the handicapped person. A rod 24 is connected to the forward end of the support member, as by an Allen screw 25, for adjustable vertical pivoting of the rod 24. Lateral pivoting of rod 24 must be prevented so that the rod 24 may be laterally moved only by movement of the head. The free end of the rod 24 is adaptedfor connection, as by a female member such as an Allen head or hex nut form 26, so that the male connecting part 27 of an implement, such as the spotlight 28 in FIG. 3, may be attached thereto. Suitable detent means (not shown) may be incorporated into the parts 26 or 27, such as a spring-loaded bearing or the like, to hold the parts temporarily together.

FIGS. 3 and -7 illustrate forms of implements which may be attached to the rod 24. In each instance it is convenient to provide for attachment of the implements to the rod 24 by an Allen wrench 29 which may be stored on the headgear device by affixing a magnet 31 (FIG..4 adjacent the support member 23 withsufficient room therebetween for insertion of the wrench 29.

With reference to FIGS. 5-7, an adapter rod 32 has a sleeved arm 33 for receiving tubular rod 35 therethrough. Allen screws 34 or other suitable means may be utilized to lock adapter arm 33 at the proper angle to rod 32, and to lock the sleeve of arm 33 on rod 35. In the case of the scribing implement of H6. 5, the hollow rod 35 receives telescoped therein a lower rod 36 carrying a writing element 37, such as chalk or lead, for scribing on a surface 38. The telescoped rod 36 preferably is spring-loaded-within the upper rod 35', as illustrated in FIG. 5. It will se noted that the arm 33 will pivot only in the vertical plane with reference to rod 32, so that horizontal motion of the implement is totally controlled by movement of the head.

Similarly, as shown in FIG. 6 a tubular rod 39 pivots in a vertical plane only (and locked at a required angle to rod 32) on the lower end of rod 32, and receives telescoped therein a lower rod 41. The rod 41 may be locked in desired position within rod 39 by suitable means such as a screw 42. Connected to the lower end of rod 41 is a plate-like element 43. The element 43 has a point 44 at one end and is bent back upon itself so as to be held on rod 41 by spring action. It may also be welded -o r soldered to rod 41. The point 44 is angled away from rod 41 preferably at a slightly obtuse angle, so as to permit moving of objects on a surface with the point 44, or to provide a hooking action.

In still another implement of the invention, as illustrated in FIG. 7, a hexagonal rod 45 also may be connected to rod 32 through the sleeve of adapter 33, and

ing of the keys of a typewriter.

It will be evident that all of the motions required for writing, drawing or gesticulating, may be provided by the device of the invention, including horizontal, vertical, diagonal and circular movement. Moreover, with respect to the scribing instrument of FIG. 5, the degree of the pressure of writing element 37 on a surface 38 is additionally controlled by telescopic movement of the rod 36 within the tubular rod 35. Thus, degrees of contrast of the writing element on a surface may be achieved, as is often required in artistic drawings.

The device of the invention therefore greatly increases the ability of a manually handicapped person to communicate and to substitute for his handicap, and to do useful activity of an artistic or utilitarian quality.

It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above, among those made apparent from the preceding description, are efficiently attained and, since certain changes may be made in the above device without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described, and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.

What is claimed is: 1. In a therapeutic headgear device for use by manually handicapped persons, the combination of:

an arcuate, semi-rigid first band for placement laterally over the forehead; an arcuate, semi-rigid second bahd for bridging the top of the head laterally thereof, the ends of said first band being connected to said second band; an arcuate, semi-rigid third band for bridging the head from front to back, the forward end of said third band being connected to said second band; an adjustable first strap for encircling the rear of the head, the ends of said strap being connected to said second band on opposite sides of the head; an adjustable second strap for positioning under the chin, the ends of said second strap being connected to said second band on opposite sides of the head;

a support member mounted on said third band generally at the point of connection of said third band to said second band; and V a first rod connected to said support member and adapted to pivot vertically within view of said handicapped person, said rod also being adapted for attachment of implements which enable said handicapped person to substitute for manual dexterities by head movement'control of said implements; I

wherein said ends of said first band are connected on opposite sides of the head to said second band between the top of the head and the points of connection of said first strap to said second band.

2. A device as in claim 1 wherein one of said implements is a scribing instrument assembly comprising a tubular second rod spring-loaded with a third rod which carries a writing element.

3. A'device as in claim 2 further including adapter means for vertically pivoting said scribing instrument assembly relative to the first rod of said device.

4. A device as in claim 1 wherein one of said implements is a pointer assembly comprising a tubular fourth rod, a fifth rod lockably telescoped within said fourth rod, and a pointed plate-like element bent back upon itself and mounted on the free end of said fifth rod so that its pointed endis angled from said fifth rod.

5. A device as in'claim 4 further including adapter means for vertically pivoting said pointer assembly relative to the first rod of said device.

6. In a therapeutic headgear device for use by manually handicapped persons, the combination of:

an arcuate, semi-rigid first band for placement laterally over the forehead;

an arcuate, semi-rigid second band for bridging the top of the head laterally thereof, the ends of said first band being connected to said second band;

an arcuate, semi-rigid third band for bridging the head from front to back, the forward end of said third band being connected to said second band;

5 6 an adjustable first strap for encircling the rear of the for attachment of implements which enable said head, the ends of said strapbeing connected to said h di d person t substitute f manual d Second band on PP s1des head; terities by head movement control of said implean adjustable second strap for positioning under the ments;

chin, the ends of said second strap being connected wherein said ends of said first and second stra s are to said second band on opposite s1des of the head; p

connected to the ends of said second hand on opa support member mounted on said third band generposite Sides of the head and a of said first ally at the point of connection of said third band to band are connected Opposlte Sldes of the head Said Second band; and [0 to said second band between the top of the head a fi t d connected to id Support member d and the points of interconnection of said ends of adapted to pivot vertically within view of said aid fi st and SCCOHd straps. handicapped person, said rod also being adapted 

1. In a therapeutic headgear device for use by manually handicapped persons, the combination of: an arcuate, semi-rigid first band for placement laterally over the forehead; an arcuate, semi-rigid second band for bridging the top of the head laterally thereof, the ends of said first band Being connected to said second band; an arcuate, semi-rigid third band for bridging the head from front to back, the forward end of said third band being connected to said second band; an adjustable first strap for encircling the rear of the head, the ends of said strap being connected to said second band on opposite sides of the head; an adjustable second strap for positioning under the chin, the ends of said second strap being connected to said second band on opposite sides of the head; a support member mounted on said third band generally at the point of connection of said third band to said second band; and a first rod connected to said support member and adapted to pivot vertically within view of said handicapped person, said rod also being adapted for attachment of implements which enable said handicapped person to substitute for manual dexterities by head movement control of said implements; wherein said ends of said first band are connected on opposite sides of the head to said second band between the top of the head and the points of connection of said first strap to said second band.
 2. A device as in claim 1 wherein one of said implements is a scribing instrument assembly comprising a tubular second rod spring-loaded with a third rod which carries a writing element.
 3. A device as in claim 2 further including adapter means for vertically pivoting said scribing instrument assembly relative to the first rod of said device.
 4. A device as in claim 1 wherein one of said implements is a pointer assembly comprising a tubular fourth rod, a fifth rod lockably telescoped within said fourth rod, and a pointed plate-like element bent back upon itself and mounted on the free end of said fifth rod so that its pointed end is angled from said fifth rod.
 5. A device as in claim 4 further including adapter means for vertically pivoting said pointer assembly relative to the first rod of said device.
 6. In a therapeutic headgear device for use by manually handicapped persons, the combination of: an arcuate, semi-rigid first band for placement laterally over the forehead; an arcuate, semi-rigid second band for bridging the top of the head laterally thereof, the ends of said first band being connected to said second band; an arcuate, semi-rigid third band for bridging the head from front to back, the forward end of said third band being connected to said second band; an adjustable first strap for encircling the rear of the head, the ends of said strap being connected to said second band on opposite sides of the head; an adjustable second strap for positioning under the chin, the ends of said second strap being connected to said second band on opposite sides of the head; a support member mounted on said third band generally at the point of connection of said third band to said second band; and a first rod connected to said support member and adapted to pivot vertically within view of said handicapped person, said rod also being adapted for attachment of implements which enable said handicapped person to substitute for manual dexterities by head movement control of said implements; wherein said ends of said first and second straps are connected to the ends of said second band on opposite sides of the head, and said ends of said first band are connected on opposite sides of the head to said second band between the top of the head and the points of interconnection of said ends of said first and second straps. 